Is Prague safe? What you should know

Posted Nov 25, 2024

Prague is like a fairytale brought to life, with its cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and a castle that feels straight out of a medieval movie. The city’s history stretches back over a thousand years, and it has quirky charms like the Astronomical Clock, which has been confusing tourists with its hourly show since 1410! Did you know Prague has a beer-drinking record to rival any country? Yes, it’s basically the Olympic champion of beer per capita.

Every good adventure starts with a game plan and it's no different in the Czech Republic! Whether you’re wandering through the Old Town Square, hiking up Petřín Hill, or sampling street food at the Christmas Market, staying safe means knowing the city inside out. From cultural quirks (don’t clink beer glasses without eye contact!) to practical tips (watch your step on those charming but slippery cobblestones), there’s a lot to unpack!

We’ll explore everything from blending in with the friendly locals to enjoying Prague’s natural spots and tackling healthcare in case it's needed. Whether it’s figuring out how to navigate the trams or avoiding pigeon battles near the Charles Bridge, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in (no medieval drawbridges required)!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Prague

Don't know what Czech banknotes look like? You should always check beforehand so you can be prepared for potential scams. Watch out for strangers trying to hand you fake money, different currency, and such crimes! Check out some more tips like these to make your trip as safe as possible!

Getting from the airport to the city center

Did you just touch down in Prague? Don't know how to get to the city center? Prague public transportation is well organized. You just need to catch the Airport Express (AE) bus and you'll get to Prague's Main Station in about 45 minutes. It's very close to Old Town Square so you can start exploring as soon as you step out of the bus!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Prague

Overpriced tourist spots are nothing new, but Prague takes it to the next level! Staré Město is one of the popular tourist destinations and they have incredibly high prices. It's nice to visit, but you’ll find better spots to grab a bite somewhere else! Go to Nové Město instead, if you're looking for where to eat in Prague. Also, restaurants might decide to charge you several times the price of what's on the menu.
Pro tip: Look up the prices online (if possible), carry just enough money to cover the menu prices, and when they ask for more, show them your empty wallet, and point to the prices on the menu. Let them know you’re onto their little game, and they'll back off. Handy tip, huh?

Is tap water in Prague safe to drink?

Definitely! If you don't believe in bottled water and the particles they might have, you're in luck! Prague's water quality is constantly monitored, and they are replacing old pipes every year! The water might be a hit hard, but nothing that'll cause any problems!

Safe accommodation options in Prague

So, where can you stay in Prague? The city is safe in general, but you want to be extra safe in your hotel. So we've got some suggestions for you:

Prague 1 (Old Town) is the heart of the city! It's packed with tourist attractions like Wenceslas Square so there's a lot of police patrolling around. Hotel Paris Prague is a luxurious 5-star hotel that isn't expensive compared to some other high-end places. Around €150-€200 is what you can expect to spend.
Prague 2 (Vinohrady) is a peaceful residential area that's a bit away from any hectic tourist areas. So, if you stay here you can expect the calm and quiet that's perfect for a restful sleep. The Moods Oasis Hotel has cozy rooms and is budget-friendly at around €100 per night.
Prague 6 (Dejvice, Bubeneč) is around a lot of lush green parks and feels very secure! You can also visit Prague Castle and Charles Bridge while you're there! Hotel International Prague is stylish with some retro charm and is just €100-€150 a night.

Pro tip: Prague has so much incredible architecture, doesn't it? It would be a shame if you didn't get to see everything because you were tired from lugging around all those bags all day. That's where Bounce comes in! Download our app and book a trusted storage location in just a few minutes! When you find one of the many locations in town, dump your stuff with us and breathe easy with our $10.000 protection plan!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Cultural callouts, anyone? Would you like to find out some tips to break the ice with the locals? In that case, we've got you covered!

Czechs can seem a bit reserved at first, but as soon as you get to know them a bit, they'll open up! Even though most people in Prague know English, a good icebreaker is using a common phrase in the local language!
Here are a few: Ahoj! (Hello); Děkuji! (Thank you); Prosím. (Please); Promiňte. (Excuse me); Ano/Ne. (Yes/No); Kolik to stojí? (How much does it cost?). The language may seem hard, but you should pronounce the words the way they’re written (most of the time).
If you're going to a religious site, you should wear something that covers your knees and shoulders. Are you going to a fancy restaurant with a date? You minx! Fine dining restaurants expect something a bit more smart instead of casual.
Prague is very inclusive and supports the LGBTQ+ community. You'll even find some bars and clubs themed around it.
It's considered rude to start eating before everyone gets their meal, so just wait till the waiter brings everything out. Use utensils in most cases.

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Do the streets all look the same to you? Don't worry, we've got some tips on how to get around:

If you want to stay safe at night, the trams and buses run 24/7. Stay clear of unlit streets and stops. You can use the DPP app to find out all you need to know about Prague's public transport.
The slippery cobblestones can be a challenge if you're walking or biking on hilly streets. You might get an accidentally hilarious clip for TikTok, but it might not be worth the pain you'll feel tomorrow. There are lots of bike lanes and rental spots around the safer and flatter streets.
There are some mobile apps like Rekola for bikes and Bolt for cars. Driving can be a hassle with so many tourists walking across the streets recklessly.

Nature and Prague: Safety tips to keep in mind

Are you hearing the call of the wild? Here are some spots to enjoy nature in and around Prague in a safe way:

Looking for the best hikes in Prague? Look no further! The Divoká Šárka Nature Reserve and the Prague Castle area are great for some nice strolls. If you're looking for some real hiking, the Bohemian Switzerland National Park and the Bohemian Paradise are just outside the city!
What you should do really depends on the season. In summer, a nice hike through a national park is perfect. In winter, seeing the snow-covered rooftops and trees on your stroll through the local park can be very romantic!
Prague forests have a lot of ticks. So if you notice a one or two after a hike or if you have a rash or flu-like symptoms, go to a healthcare facility and they'll help you out real quick!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

Sick? Injured? In danger? No problem! We've got you covered with some insider tips for emergency situations:

There are many hospitals and healthcare spots around town with great care options! But, you should get the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you're from the EU, or the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Those can cut some crazy costs.
Looking for spots to eat? You've got some great options. The dining is fantastic and the street food is delicious, just double-check if the food hasn't been sitting out too long and was freshly cooked. If you have food allergies, make sure to let the vendors, cooks or servers know.
112 is for general emergencies and 155 is for an ambulance.

So, is Prague safe?

Compared to other major cities around the world, Prague boasts very low violent crime rates! The only issues here are the currency exchange rates! So no need to worry about safety while you're visiting Prague! And remember Bounce before that massive suitcase gets the better of you! Find the most convenient storage spot and enjoy your stay to the fullest!